Zesco United to remain with only five foreign players by 2021
By Zesco United media| Desmond Katongo | December 19, 2020
ZESCO United Football Club Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Richard Mulenga says the club has embarked on a trajectory to limit the number of foreign players at the club to 5.
Mulenga disclosed that new club policies stipulates that ZESCO United Football Club shall recruit a maximum number of 5 foreign players.
“I wish to inform our strategic stakeholders, especially ZESCO United fans that we are mandated by the ZESCO United Football Club board to reduce the number of foreign players to 5 by the end of 2021. This process has already started as part of preparations for us to reach this target.”
The Club CEO further explained that a plan has already been set in motion to ensure that there is sufficient and effective cover for the players who will be leaving the club.
“The club has put in place strategic measures to ensure that this process is executed smoothly. For example, Kelvin Kampamba was strategically brought in to ensure that there is cover in the midfield in case one of our midfielders left the club at the end of this year.
Bruce Musakanya is another creative midfielder that the club recently signed to provide similar cover.”
Mulenga acknowledged the positive impact foreign players have had on the club in recent years.
“It is worth acknowledging that foreign players have had a positive impact on this club. They have contributed immeasurably to the growth and success of the club.
However, it is also crucial for us to look at the cost of doing business in this current environment. Furthermore, there are strategic policies that the Football Association of Zambia are currently looking at. One of these is the introduction of foreign player quotas. As a club, we don’t want to be caught off-guard when these things are finally implemented.”
Mulenga added that ZESCO United is morally obligated to develop football in Zambia by ensuring that home-grown players are given an opportunity to excel both at local and international level.
“It remains our mission to bring the best players to ZESCO United Football Club. This change in policies will also give our home-grown players an opportunity to play for the biggest club in the land and a rare platform to shine at both local and international level.
This is evident through the promotion of 3 home-grown players who have graduated from the ZESCO United youth team to the senior side and currently playing first team football.”